Is God About to do Something Big?

This post is part of a series exploring popular Christian sayings, examining them through the lens of Scripture to uncover Truth and encourage Biblical thinking.

If you’ve been part of Christian circles for any length of time, you’ve probably heard this phrase:

If the devil has been attacking you lately, it means God is about to do something big in your life.

This statement is often shared as encouragement when someone is going through hardship. It’s usually offered with the intent to uplift and provide a sense of hope and purpose amid trials. The implication is clear: if life feels difficult, it’s because the devil is working overtime to thwart an imminent, extraordinary blessing from God.

But is this idea biblically sound?

When This Phrase is Used and Why It Appeals

This quote often arises when life feels overwhelming. Perhaps someone is facing rejection, relational conflict, illness, or loss. In these moments, we long to know there’s a purpose behind our suffering. We want assurance that what we’re enduring isn’t random or wasted.

For many, this saying provides comfort. It suggests a narrative:

  • The devil is fighting hard because…
  • God is about to intervene in a big way!

It feels empowering to frame hardship as evidence of spiritual significance. But while it sounds uplifting, this idea is not rooted in Scripture.

The Devil is Not Omnipotent or Omnipresent

One of the issues with this saying is the implied power it gives to Satan. Scripture is clear: the devil is neither omnipotent (all-powerful) nor omnipresent (present everywhere at all times). He is a created being, subject to God’s sovereign authority.

Colossians 1:15-23 beautifully reminds us of Christ’s supremacy:
“For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”

The devil may prowl like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8), but he operates only within the limits God permits. The idea that Satan’s schemes indicate God’s timeline or plans elevates his role far beyond what Scripture teaches.

Hardship: The Devil’s Attack or Our Own Sin?

It’s also important to recognize that not all hardships are direct attacks from Satan. Much of what we experience comes from living in a fallen world and wrestling with our sinful nature (James 1:14).

  • Struggling with pride, envy, or anger? That’s the flesh at war with the Spirit (Galatians 5:17).
  • Facing conflict or consequences of poor decisions? These often stem from sin, whether our own or someone else’s.

This doesn’t mean Satan never acts. There are times when trials may come as part of spiritual warfare, as Paul describes in Ephesians 6:10-18. However, attributing every difficulty to Satan overlooks the broader picture of God’s purpose in suffering.

God’s Sovereign Plan in Our Trials

God is sovereign over all things. Nothing comes into our lives without first passing through His hands. Scripture teaches us that God works all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). This includes both blessings and hardships.

James 1:17 tells us:
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Psalm 84:11 assures us that He withholds no good thing from those who walk uprightly. Even when circumstances seem dire, God is not holding back goodness. What we endure is for our ultimate sanctification.

Suffering for Christ’s Sake

Hebrews 5:8 reveals that Jesus Himself learned obedience through what He suffered. If suffering was a tool for the sanctification of the sinless Son of God, how much more might it be so for us?

The apostles in Acts 5 rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for Christ’s name. This kind of rejoicing comes not from a promise of imminent relief or “something big” around the corner, but from a recognition that God uses suffering to conform us to the image of Christ.

Distinguishing Truth from Half-Truths

Satan’s oldest trick is distorting truth. The phrase we’re examining sounds good, but it mixes truth with error:

  • Truth: Trials can distract us from God and tempt us to lose focus.
  • Distortion: The devil’s schemes always signal that “something big” is coming.

Yes, the devil hates what God loves. Yes, he works to distort, distract, and destroy. But his efforts do not dictate God’s plans. God’s purposes for us are centered on our Christ-likeness, not on worldly success, comfort, or even milestones in our faith journey.

What Should We Say Instead?

When someone is suffering, we don’t need to rely on catchy phrases or unbiblical ideas. Instead, we can point them to the hope and truth of Scripture:

  • God is sovereign and loves you deeply (Psalm 139:13-18).
  • He is working all things for your good and His glory (Romans 8:28).
  • He gives good gifts and withholds no good thing from His children (James 1:17, Psalm 84:11).
  • Even in suffering, you can rejoice, knowing it is not wasted (Hebrews 5:8, Acts 5:41).

God’s plans are not contingent on the devil’s actions. His purposes stand firm, and His ultimate goal is that we be conformed to the image of His Son.

So, let’s hold fast to the truth and rest in His sovereignty, even amid trials. Let’s encourage one another not with empty promises of “something big,” but with the assurance that we are always held in the hands of a good and faithful God.

The Danger of Personalizing Scripture: It’s Not About Us, It’s About God

Years ago, when I was in a college church group, one of the leaders encouraged us to personalize scripture by inserting our names into the verses. The idea was that this would make the Bible feel more relevant, helping us embrace the message. I loved it – I even printed out a verse with my name in it and posted it above my bed, where I could see it every morning. It seemed innocent enough, and at the time, I never questioned it.

But as I’ve grown in my understanding of scripture, I’ve realized something. The Bible is not primarily about us. Yes, there are personal applications, and God’s Word is meant to transform us. But the heart of scripture is not about making us the center of the story. The Bible is about God. It’s His story, His message, His revelation of who He is. From the first verse in Genesis to the last verse of Revelation, everything points to Jesus and the Gospel.

The Bible: God’s Story, Not Ours

When we look at the Bible, especially the Old Testament, we see the unfolding of God’s plan for redemption. The fall of humanity in Genesis sets the stage for the entire narrative of scripture. Sin entered the world, and with it, a deep separation between humanity and God. The laws and sacrificial system outlined in books like Leviticus demonstrate the gravity of sin and what was required for atonement. The prophets, such as Isaiah, spoke of the coming Messiah who would be the ultimate fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan.

The New Testament reveals how everything points to Jesus. His life, His sacrifice, and His resurrection fulfilled the promises of the Old Testament. It’s about Him! In John 5:39 (ESV), Jesus says, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.” Every book of the Bible bears witness to the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Every verse, very chapter, every book points to Christ. It’s His story, His grace, His glory.

We are not the central figures in scripture – God is. While we may find comfort, guidance, and encouragement in the Bible, its primary purpose is to point to Jesus and His atonement for our sins. When we insert ourselves into scripture in a way that shifts the focus onto us, we risk distorting the very message God intends to communicate.

The Purpose of Scripture

Scripture was not written to be shaped around our lives but to shape our lives around God’s truth. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) reminds us, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” The Bible was given to teach us about God’s character, to equip us to live lives that please Him, and to reveal His sovereign plan for humanity.

Scripture was not written to be shaped around our lives but to shape our lives around God’s truth.

The Bible reveals our sinful nature, but it also reveals God’s grace. Romans 3:23-24 (ESV) says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” The focus is on God’s saving grace, freely given to us through Jesus Christ. When we attempt to insert ourselves into the narrative, we risk shifting the focus away from God’s glory and toward our own interpretation of the text.

Reflecting on God’s Sovereignty

When we personalize scripture, it can feel comforting – but it can also lead us to misunderstand its intent. While much of the Bible is written for our instruction, not all of it is directly applicable to us in the way we might think. For example, many of the Old Testament promises were given to specific people for specific times. Instead of inserting our names into those promises, we should look at what they reveal about God’s character and His faithfulness.

Instead of reshaping scripture to make it fit us, what if we allowed scripture to shape our understanding of God? What if, instead of making it personal in a way that focuses on us, we made it personal by reflecting on who God is? 2 Timothy 2:15 (ESV) encourages us to “rightly handle the word of the truth.” This means approaching scripture with humility, understanding that it’s God’s Word, not ours to mold.

Instead of reshaping scripture to fit us, what if we allowed scripture to shape our understanding of God?

Letting Scripture Be About God

The Bible is a revelation of God’s saving grace, His mercy, and His plan of redemption. When we read it, we are invited to see the bigger picture – God’s eternal plan for His glory, which centers on Jesus Christ. Yes, we are part of the story, but we are not the focus. It’s not about us. It’s about God, His character, His holiness, and His grace.

The Bible isn’t about us; it’s about God, His character, His holiness, and His grace.

So, next time you’re tempted to insert your name into a verse, pause and reflect. What does this verse reveal about God? How does it point to Jesus? How can this scripture shape my understanding of His sovereignty, His love, and His glory?

The Bible isn’t a self-help book or a collection of personal promises tailored to us. It’s the story of God’s redemptive plan for the world. It’s His revelation of Himself. Let’s approach scripture with reverence, letting it be about God, and allowing it to transform us by pointing us to Jesus.

Set My Hope on Jesus

You know that feeling when you misplace your phone? Panic sets in, right? You start checking every nook, retracing your steps, and thinking, “I hope I didn’t leave it in the fridge again.” (Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.) The hope we feel in those moments is filled with doubt – maybe we’ll find it, but maybe we won’t.

But here’s the thing: that’s not how the Bible talks about hope. And trust me, God isn’t telling us to frantically search like we’re on some cosmic scavenger hunt for our joy. The kind of hope God offers is rock solid, unshakeable, and totally fridge-free.

Let’s dive into this living hope, and remember – it all points to His glory.

A Hope That’s Alive – And Sovereign

In 1 Peter 3:15, we’re reminded that we have been “born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.” This is not some fleeting, wishful thinking. No, it’s a living, breathing, full-of-life hope! But here’s the key: this hope didn’t come cheaply or randomly. Jesus’ resurrection was part of God’s sovereign plan, established before time began, and it was for His glory. The wrath of God that was meant for us – yes, the just, righteous anger of God toward our sin – was placed squarely on Jesus.

This is atonement. Jesus took on the wrath we deserved, bearing it so that we could be reconciled to God. He was our substitute, taking our place and satisfying the justice of God. Isaiah 53:5-6 says it well: “But He was pierced for our transgressions; He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with His wounds we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned – every one – to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all.”

This wasn’t a backup plan or something God stumbled into. No, His sovereignty is woven through every part of the Gospel. We didn’t just happen to get saved – God orchestrated it from the start, and our hope is secure because of it.

God’s Sovereign Hand in Our Hope

Let’s be honest, most of us use “hope” with a hint of doubt. We say things like, “I hope this traffic clears up,” but what we really mean is, “I’m not holding my breath.” But the Bible’s use of the word hope is entirely different.

In the Old Testament, hope (the Hebrew word batah) means confidence, security, and being without care. In other words, there’s no hint of doubt at all! Similarly, in the New Testament, the Greek word elpis or elpizo also carries that same meaning – confident expectation. Biblical hope isn’t just an emotional backup plan; it’s rooted in God’s sovereignty and His ability to fulfill what He promises.

Biblical hope isn’t just an emotional backup plan; it’s rooted in God’s sovereignty and His ability to fulfill what He promises.

When we hope in Jesus, we’re not hoping in someone who might show up – we’re hoping in the One who has already proven Himself faithful, from the cross to the resurrection. God’s sovereignty means that nothing, not even death itself, can thwart His plans. Romans 8:28 assures us that God is working “all things together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Our hope isn’t based on wishful thinking but on the solid rock of God’s unshakeable, sovereign will.

Hope for the Hurting – His Glory in Our Trials

Life is hard. We face trials that shake us, disappointments that leave us questioning, and grief that sometimes feels like it’ll drown us. It’s easy to let distractions creep in, replacing the time we used to spend with God with mindless scrolling or other fillers. We start doubting, avoiding, and feeling overwhelmed by the weight of this world.

But even in the hardest times, God is sovereign. Every tear, every trial, every wound that doesn’t seem to heal – God is working in and through it for HIS glory. 1 Peter 4:12-13 tells us, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as thought something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when His glory is revealed.”

Our suffering has a purpose because it points to the cross. Jesus didn’t suffer for suffering’s sake; He bore the wrath meant for us so that God’s glory could be revealed through our redemption. In the same way, our trials are shaping us, refining our faith, and drawing us closer to the ultimate hope we have in Jesus.

Jesus didn’t suffer for suffering’s sake; He bore the wrath meant for us so that God’s glory could be revealed through redemption.

Confident Assurance in a Sovereign Savior

Here’s the good news: Biblical hope isn’t a feeling, and it isn’t based on our circumstances. It’s rooted in the promises of God, and those promises are backed by His sovereignty. John 6:47 says, “Truly, truly I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life.” No wiggle room there. If you believe in Jesus, eternal life is yours because Jesus bore the wrath of God that was meant for you, and God’s sovereign plan of salvation has already been accomplished.

So, the next time you’re tempted to say, “I hope so,” remember that your hope in Jesus is more than wishful thinking. It’s a confident expectation, founded on the sovereignty of a God who never changes and always fulfills His promises. Hebrews 11:1 tells us that “faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” That’s the kind of hope we have in Christ – a hope that doesn’t shift or crumble under pressure.

Our hope in Jesus is more than wishful thinking – it’s a confident expectation, founded on the sovereignty of a God who never changes and always fulfills His promises.

Sisters, let’s set our hope on Jesus – the One who hears us, loves us and never fails us. Let’s rest in the assurance that God is sovereign, and in His perfect plan, Jesus bore the wrath that was meant for us, securing our hope forever.

And the next time you find your phone in the fridge, let it be a reminder that while life might be unpredictable, the hope we have in Christ is not.

This hope is sure because it rests not on our efforts but on the finished work of Christ and God’s sovereign plan. Through it all, His glory is at the center.

Trusting God’s Voice: Lessons from Psalm 118

Have you ever stumbled upon a piece of scripture that just stopped you in your tracks? That’s what happened to me with Psalm 118:8-9. It says, “It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in humans. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” It’s like a gentle nudge reminding us where our true safety lies.

I am so thankful to God for bringing wise, elder women into my life. When I first started my walk with God, I longed for that kind of mentorship, just like the kind mentioned in Titus 2. I was over the moon when I found myself surrounded by these kinds of ladies! But, it was during a big life decision that I really started to understand their role in my life.

Looking back, I wish I had leaned on Psalm 118 sooner. When facing that big decision, I realized I had been running to these wonderful women first for advice, prayer, and wisdom. But this time, I knew I needed to hear directly from God. I already guessed what advice they would give me, but I needed to hear God’s voice on this one.

I took some time to just be with God, praying, worshipping, and diving into the Bible. And then, I made my decision. While this decision would not determine my salvation, it was one that people were very divided on. When I shared my decision, I was surprised to find that it hurt some feelings. That hurt was mutual because I was in disbelief that going to the Lord first would make someone upset, and it made me pause. I wondered, “Should I have included them in my decision-making process?” Even though I doubted myself for a moment, the Lord affirmed I had made the right choice.

This experience taught me a lot about the importance of not letting anyone—even those we admire and look up to—take the place of God in our lives, especially when it comes to giving advice and being a mentor.

Who’s in control? God.
Who knows everything? God.
Who can change hearts like no one else? God.

Let’s consider some practical ways to apply the wisdom gleaned from Psalm 118:8-9.

  1. Reflect on your sources of guidance. Take some time to reflect on where you turn for advice and guidance in your life. Are there areas where you rely more on human wisdom than seeking God’s direction?
  2. Prioritize time with God. Make a conscious effort to prioritize spending time with God through prayer, worship, and studying the Bible. This will help you tune into His voice and discern His guidance more clearly.
  3. Seek God’s guidance first. When faced with important decisions, make it a habit to seek God’s guidance first before turning to others for advice. Open His word. Trust He will lead you in the right direction.
  4. Embrace Godly mentorship. Value the wisdom and guidance of godly mentors in your life, but remember they are not a substitute for seeking God Himself. Appreciate their role while keeping God at the center of your decision-making process.
  5. Encourage others to seek God. If you’re in a mentoring role, encourage those you mentor to seek God’s guidance above all else.
  6. Point others to Jesus. Continually point others, especially those you mentor, to Jesus as the ultimate source of wisdom and guidance. Help them develop a deeper relationship with God.
  7. Trust in God’s wisdom. Ultimately, trust in God’s wisdom over human understanding. Recognize that His plans are far greater than ours and that His guidance is always trustworthy.

I’m so grateful for the godly men and women in our lives who live out Titus 2, but at the end of the day, God is the one we can count on. He speaks to us through His Word, and for that, I’m incredibly thankful.

However, it’s essential to acknowledge that there are times when seeking wise, biblically grounded counsel is not only appropriate but necessary, especially when our decisions may lead us into sin or compromise our faith. While God is our ultimate refuge and guide, He also provides us with a community of believers who can offer counsel and accountability in accordance with His Word.

In every part of our lives, let’s remember to take shelter in the Lord, above anyone or anything else. When faced with decisions that may impact our walk with Him, let’s seek His guidance fervently while also humbly seeking the counsel of those who are wise in His ways.

the unveiling majesty

In moments of grief and solitude, we often find solace in the pages of our Bible. After my dad’s passing, I turned to the familiar words of Psalm 23, seeking comfort. As I continued to read, Psalm 29 unfolded before me like a tapestry of profound theology, stopping me in my tracks. Join me in this journey through Psalm 29 as we delve into its rich expressions of God’s majestic presence, power, and sovereignty.

Ascribe to the LORD, O heavenly beings,
Ascribe to the LORD, glory and strength.
Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name;
Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness.

Psalm 29:1-2 ESV

Have you ever experienced a moment when the world seemed to pause, and you couldn’t help but marvel at the wonder around you? What an incredible moment to consider. The psalm begins with an invitation – a call for the heavenly beings to ascribe glory and strength to the Lord. Who are these heavenly beings, and what does it mean to “ascribe”? Heavenly beings, often called angels or celestial creatures, are depicted in various parts of the Bible as worshiping and serving God. Ascribing glory and strength involves recognizing, acknowledging, and attributing these qualities to God, declaring His unmatched greatness. In times of grief and loss, this call to worship becomes a powerful reminder of our Lord’s eternal and unchanging nature. 

The voice of the LORD is over the waters;
the God of glory thunders,
the LORD, over many waters.
The voice of the LORD is powerful;
The voice of the LORD is full of majesty.

The voice of the LORD breaks the cedars;
the LORD breaks the cedars of Lebanon.
He makes Lebanon to skip like a calf,
and Sirion like a young wild ox.

The voice of the LORD flashes forth flames of fire.
The voice of the LORD shakes the wilderness;
the LORD shakes the wilderness of Kadesh.

The voice of the LORD makes the deer give birth and strips the forests bare,
and in His temple all cry, “Glory!”

Psalm 29:3-9

Imagine a thunderstorm, its power reverberating through the air, the sound shaking everything around you. Have you ever stood in awe of such a display of nature’s might? In these verses, we find six descriptions of God’s voice, of which the thunder is an emblem.

  1. Powerful: Reflect on a time when you felt the raw power of God’s presence. His voice is not just a gentle whisper; it carries the weight of authority and might that demands our attention.
  2. Full of Majesty: Consider moments in your life when you’ve witnessed majesty – whether in nature, art, or acts of kindness. God’s voice is the epitome of majesty, surpassing any other experience.
  3. Breaks through cedars: Cedar trees are frequently mentioned in scripture. These trees are stately, long-branched, and durable. These were the trees that would remain standing in a strong storm. Because of these qualities, the cedar tree was used for boards, pillars, and masts. The Hebrew root meaning of cedar is “to be firm.” Ponder the strength required to break through something as sturdy as a cedar. God’s voice has the power to penetrate the seemingly unbreakable, reminding us of His limitless strength.
  4. Flashes forth flames of fire: Picture the imagery of fire, symbolizing purification and divine presence. God’s voice is powerful and carries the refining essence of His holiness.
  5. Shakes the wilderness: The wilderness of Kadesh is a dry land, a desert. Imagine the vastness of this wilderness, untouched and unshaken. God’s voice has the authority to shake the very foundations of our lives, bringing us to a profound awareness of His presence.
  6. Makes the deer give birth and strips forest bare: Contemplate the gentleness and intensity of God’s voice. In the midst of its mighty echoes, there is also a tender touch, symbolized by the birthing of a deer and still powerful enough to strip a forest bare. 

As we reflect on these descriptions, may we find a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of God’s voice. It’s no wonder the people in the temple cried GLORY!

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood;
the LORD sits enthroned as King forever.
May the LORD give strength to His people!
May the LORD bless His people with peace!

Psalm 29:10-11

Consider the reference to the great flood in Genesis. Picture the tumultuous waters, the earth submerged, and God’s unwavering control over the chaos. In the aftermath, a rainbow emerged – a symbol of His covenant and enduring peace. In Psalm 29, we’re reminded that the Lord sits enthroned over the flood, signifying His supreme and exalted position, unmoved by the storms of life.

Verse 11 declares, “May the LORD give strength to His people! May the LORD bless His people with peace!” Reflect on these words in the context of God’s sovereignty. Acknowledge Him as King forever (Psalm 10:16), reigning over all circumstances. His enduring kingship provides a foundation for our strength and a source of lasting peace.

Let’s not forget the promise of a peace that surpasses understanding (Philippians 4:7). In the face of life’s storms, may we find solace in the unshakable throne of our King and experience a peace that transcends our understanding.

Psalm 29, discovered in a moment of personal grief, is a hymn of praise to God for His awesome power. It is a resounding declaration of His majesty and sovereignty over all creation. The phenomena of nature are not reflected as problems but as God’s creation, serving His purposes and demonstrating His power, wisdom, glory, faithfulness, and love.

As we close this journey through Psalm 29, let our hearts echo the hymn of praise, acknowledging our God’s unparalleled majesty and sovereignty. May this Psalm be etched in our hearts, guiding us in profound worship and steadfast trust in the One whose power knows no bounds.

Glory!